[EN] The pictures are from December and I thought it was high time I posted them while we’re not going into spring break. It just might be a bit to warm.

I’ve gotten many questions and many praises regarding this coat and I will be the first one to agree on the fact that it’s a gem. It’s old, it’s a collectible, it’s a very sought after label among collectors and it’s also very warm and comfortable, not to mention the beauty of the cut. This coat is over 50 years old, designed by the Lilli Ann fashion house around 1960. Furthermore, I will tell you what I found when doing my research on this brand (a big thank you to those who have the patience to read everything, you are the ones that keep this blog alive; if it was all about the pictures, I would’ve just posted on Instagram);

Lilli Ann was an American fashion brand that thrived between 1950 and 1960, with lots of spreads in the popular fashion magazines at the time (Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar being among them). The company doesn’t exist anymore as it was permanently closed in 2000, after more than 60 years on the market (it was founded in 1933 by Adolph Schuman, who named the company after his wife, Lilli Ann).

The company primarily designed clothing (as far as I know, there are no leather goods made by the brand), and they were especially popular for their coats and jackets, like mine (although not one of the most beautiful designs). They used the best quality fabrics imported from France, Italy, and Switzerland, brought to the States by Adolph himself after World War 2 was over. He was even rewarded with medals for working with these manufacturers as he was considered responsible for preventing these factories from going bankrupt in a time when Europe was shattered by war. Basically, Lilli Ann was the American equivalent of the mid-century French brands: Dior and Chanel for the Europeans, Lilli Ann for the Americans. The prices were up there too, a classic 2-piece suit retailed for about $800-$1000 in today’s currency. The amounts were crazy, but as far as I know, many stores offered installment plans, and back then fast fashion was unheard of so people would buy less and of (much) better quality. This is how you would explain the extraordinary revenue even though they were a luxury brand. Inserting below a few images from advertorials I found online:

[EN] There are plenty of other examples, from different decades, my favorite being those between 1945 and 1965. And it’s obvious why since the silhouettes are simply fabulous. Luckily for me, I have a few Lilli Ann pieces in my modest collection, therefore I’ve had the opportunity of experiencing the fabulousness first hand. Among them, the white coat featured in today’s post.

Where do I get them from?

Like I’ve said before, the label is very sought after among collectors, therefore the prices are not exactly affordable for a second-hand piece. But even so, I recommend to those interested my usual sources: e-Bay and Etsy, as I haven’t come across a shred of Lilli Ann in Romanian stores.

And in case you haven’t figured it out yet, my white Lilli Ann coat is my most loved and prized piece that I own.